. >> reporter: and, of course, going off the so-called fiscal cliff means a tax hike for just about everybody who does have a job. but today, treasury secretary timothy geithner said the president is absolutely willing to go off the cliff unless republicans agree toto raise ta rates. >> there's no prospect for an agreement that doesn't involve those rates going up on the top 2% of the wealthiest americans. >> reporter: and on that, no progress. >> where are the specifics? nothing is going on. >> reporter: there have been no rey talks between the white house and republicans for a week. but late today, diane, one possible sign of progress. the president and the speaker of the house spoke via telephone. neither side would give any details about what was said, but the stock market closed higher today with traders, at least, apparently optimistic that a deal will be reached. >> one phone call can do that. okay, thank you, jonathan karl. >>> now, we head overseas to cairo. another day of bloodshed and chaos there. battles erupting in the streets. look there, outside the presidential palace. between